Proposed ban on card payment surcharges

The story so far

Commerce Minister Scott Simpson announced a plan to ban most surcharges on in-store card payments, including PayWave, so shoppers are not penalised for their payment method.^{28 Jul 2025} The government intends to scrap in-store surcharges for Visa and Mastercard payments by May 2026 at the latest.^{28, 30 Jul 2025} Finance Minister Nicola Willis said businesses should pass on contactless card payment costs to customers if they cannot absorb them.^{29 Jul 2025} Some consumers welcomed the plan, but retail and hospitality businesses warned they may raise prices to cover the additional costs.^{30 Jul 2025}

Latest

Retail and hospitality businesses have warned they may raise prices to cover the added costs, while some consumers have welcomed the plan.^{30 Jul 2025}

What's next

The government intends to implement the ban by May 2026 at the latest.^{28, 30 Jul 2025}

Key moments

1. 28 Jul 2025Commerce Minister announces plan to ban most in-store card surcharges.
2. 29 Jul 2025Finance Minister says businesses should absorb or pass on contactless costs.
3. 30 Jul 2025Retail and hospitality warn of possible price rises after ban plan.

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